There are times when we are asked questions that are offensive, inappropriate, or simply rude. Period. When we find ourselves in these situations, we are so stunned we don’t know what do to or how to respond. In fact, most of us simply try to ignore the question, excuse ourselves, or laugh in the moment to resolve the general disgust and feelings of offense of the situation.

While asking the question in and of itself is just astonishing, what is even more unbelievable is the person believes they have the right to fix their mouth to ask such a question in the first place. We have been there. Questions like, ‘why don’t you have any children?”, or ‘are you dating anybody seriously?’, ‘did your baby’s father finally start paying child support?’ or ‘is your divorce final yet?’ There are so many questions that I have not listed here but I am sure you can think of a few.

What is so remarkable about these questions is that the person asking the question, doesn’t know the answer for a reason, right? In my book, You Don’t Say, I discuss the importance of earning the right to ask questions particularly around sensitive issues. That’s right, we cannot just ask people questions, regardless of the relationship because we want to. In fact, there are a few responses that we can provide when we are faced with such questions. You do not have to answer a question just because you were asked one.

Keep reading for 5 questions to ask a person when you are asked unbelievable questions:

1. Why do you want to know that?
2. How will knowing that information help you?
3. Why do you think you have the right to ask me that?
4. What about our relationship makes you think you can ask me that?
5. If I was to answer that question, what would you do with that information?

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